5224-1784 Fine Vintage Zuni Fetish Jar by Edna Leki
ca. 1950
7.25" H x 10" D
With eight large fetishes on sides, three inside (one fetish with damage to tail, another with tail broken and glued). With some wear to turquoise surface as pictured.
Zuni fetish carver Edna Leki (c. 1924 - 2003) was known as the first female fetish carver in Zuni. Edna's father was Teddy Weahkee, who was also her teacher.
Anthropologist Ruth Kirk stated that fetish jars have been used in this century to house the ceremonially used fetishes in Kivas. There were apparently different types of fetish jars but they were all originally pots used for other purposes (water, storage, serving), which were converted to hold fetishes. Ceremonial jars have a feeding hole, which allows cornmeal to be placed in the jar to feed the fetishes. These fetish jars were often covered in small chips of turquoise.
With only minor wear to turquoise as is typical for older jar; Excellent overall condition.